HIGH POINT — Merchandise Mart Properties Inc. expects “at least 30” exhibitors in its showroom buildings for premarket, according to Tom Mitchell, senior vice president and High Point general manager for the company.

He said that’s within the average range for a premarket, which this spring will take place March 27-29. Other High Point showroom managers also say they have no reason to expect a plunge in participation.

The informal event usually involves a limited number of exhibitors getting opinions from key buyers on product that will be introduced officially at market a month later. Traditionally, manufacturers make changes in product based on retailer reaction.

Last year, a few exhibitors said they would stop showing at premarket, partly because there’s too little time in the month before market to make changes to imported product. But Mitchell said he thinks the event still will be meaningful.

“We will have all of our buildings ready for all of our exhibitors and their customers who are planning to participate,” he said. MMPI buildings open will include Market Square, Furniture Plaza, the National Furniture Mart and Plaza Suites.

At the International Home Furnishings Center, CEO Tom Lindh said the building will be open as needed, although he usually doesn’t survey exhibitors before premarket and doesn’t know how many to expect.
“Last premarket we had 66 or 67 (showrooms open), and my guess is that we will have a similar representation,” Lindh said.

Two Showplace tenants, Berkline/BenchCraft and American Leather, will be open by appointment only during premarket as usual, said Tim McGee, vice president of leasing.